Rate adjustments on tap for North Lake Tahoe Express

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TAHOE/TRUCKEE - Those who ride the North Lake Tahoe Express can expect to pay on average more for the service once rate changes are enacted later this month.Last Thursday, the Truckee-North Tahoe Transportation Management Association board of directors unanimously approved adjusted rates for the daily shuttle service that carries passengers between North Tahoe/Truckee at various locations and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.For a one-way trip, fare adjustments range from a $3 to $5 increase and a $17 to $47 decrease, depending on number of passengers, while round trip differences range from a $6 to $86 increase and a $34 decrease.Board member Peter Przybyslawski questioned the consistency of the rate changes."A lot of the rates ... how they differ is based on the market," said Jaime Wright, TMA program manager. "... We try to compile that data to know where we need to structure our rates and unfortunately, it's not a clean formula because no one else runs a clean formula."As for why the price for larger groups dropped, Wright said it was done to stay competitive in the market."After the marketing comparison, we realized we're not capturing that business because they can get a private vehicle for less," she said. "... Maybe we might just capture more business there than we have been before because now we're more competitive with them."While remaining competitive is part of the reason for the rate adjustments, Wright said it had more to do with maintaining the program without having to seek additional funding from the shuttle's partners.According to the shuttle's website, partners range from Placer County and Washoe County to transportation entities and resorts, along with the Incline Village General Improvement District and Crystal Bay-Incline Village Convention and Visitor Bureau.The last time the shuttle's rates changed was April 2010, Wright said.Additional changes could be in store, said Jan Colyer, executive director of TMA, at the meeting."We're also considering adding a change charge because there are a lot of changes that come through and refunds," she said. "It takes as much time to refund if not more."While that's yet to be decided, the fare changes approved last week go into effect Nov. 15."It's still the best deal in town," Colyer said.